Walk the Talk

Develop values so you can "walk the talk." Values are "rules" for living which are your deeply held beliefs demonstrated through your behavior. Values "talk" while behaviors "walk." Your values declare your character.

Never Dull and Boring

Go ahead and chuckle. I not only giggled but I laughed till I cried when this goofy character showed up in my house. This past fall, my oldest son Bryce signed a contract for his first full-time teaching job as a middle school music teacher. The first picture is of him directing one of his classes at their winter program. As professional as he can look and act, there are those occasions he decides to be a goober. He found a fake cigarette in some of his stuff and the next thing that shows up in the living room, is this redneck. A few months before Christmas, he made a comment about wanting a pirate hat. Not only did I find him the hat, I also found a pirate shirt. Soon after opening his gifts, he went to his room and reappeared as a pirate. I am very proud of my son and his accomplishments this past year but, I also enjoy the fun he brings into our home. Life is never dull and boring around him.

Healthy Relationships Are A Two-Way Street

"She didn't even speak to me." "He walked right by be and wouldn't even look at me." Have you ever heard statements similar to these or even made such a comment? Throughout my lifetime of working with people, I would have to say, I have heard such remarks many times and I have a standard reply. That is, "Did you speak to them?" If it was not so pitiful, it would be funny. The fact is, there are many people who live in such a self-centered world. Yes, I said it; self-centered because they believe everyone should come to them, do for them, without returning anything. A relationship is not solo. It requires interaction between two. If a person always gives and never receives anything in return, that person will eventually give up on trying to maintain the relationship and search elsewhere for a friend. Healthy relationship are two-sided; a partnership of giving and receiving. Yes, relationships are a two-way street.

They Walk Amongst Us

Yes, "they" walk amongst us. Who? Negative minds, stubborn spirits, hateful hearts, or "they" are sometimes referred to with common names such as idiots, jerks, egomaniacs, haters, and the list can continue. These types of characters are often the source of our frustrations however, such frustration is allowing "them" to control us. So, what should we do? Here are my recommendations upon facing "them":

Smile, say "Hello," and keep moving.
Don't give them an audience in which to spew their ignorance.
Be kind.
Don't retaliate and stoop to their level.
Be strong.
Resist the urge to defend yourself.

Finally, remember time proves all things. Yes, "they" walk amongst us but our responses determine how much control they attain. We can't stop "them" from walking amongst us but, we can determine how much power they are given over us.

Do You Mean What You Pray?

The past few days, I have been thinking about prayer and some of the things people say when they pray. Do they really mean everything they say? When they ask God to do something, are they sure about what they are asking?

Have you ever heard someone pray, "Show me your ways, Lord." I wonder if the Lord were to suddenly show them His path of affliction and suffering if they would still want God to see His ways? Or, they ask God to send a revival. Really? What kind of revival? If you are not specific, the revival might be someone dying in front of you and being resuscitated. One should be careful how they pray. Do you really mean what you pray?

Meet A Need

Whining goats or sweet sheep? As for me, I do not tolerate whining, complaining, negative people. Rather than give them a shoulder to cry on, I will give them a hand, pull them up, and pray for them. When one walks with God, follows in His footsteps, there is no pause or focus to join someone for the purpose to commiserate, but rather notice their need and meet it. Jesus didn’t spend time listening to people whine – He saw their need and met it. He wasn’t a sympathetic ear; He was a problem solver. It is so much easier to meet a need for a sweet sheep than hours spent with a whining goat........just sayin'.

African CousCous - Our Christmas Tradition

This was posted a couple years ago but I have been asked again for the recipe so, here's a duplicate post. Christmas Eve is usually a huge variety of foods but Christmas Day couscous is our traditional meal.

1 Tbsp. oil ( use olive oil)
2 to 3 lbs. chicken (I use boneless, skinless breast tenders)
2 yellow onion, sliced
4 cloves finely chopped garlic
3 tsp. ground coriander (I heap the tsp.)
2 Tbsp. instant chicken bouillon (I use "Better Than Bouillon")
2 tsp. ground red pepper
2 tsp. ground turmeric (heaping)
7-9 zucchini, cut into 1/2 inch slices
2 lbs. baby carrots
2 2/3 cups of plain couscous
1 1/2 cup raisins

Cook chicken in oil until slightly brown on all sides then place in large pot. (Big stock pot) Add to large pot carrots, onions, garlic, coriander, bouillon, red pepper, and turmeric. Cover with water and heat to boiling. Let simmer a 10-15 minutes than add zucchini. Cook until chicken turns yellow and vegetables are done. Serve over couscous. (I sometimes let this simmer an hour but you don't have to wait that long.)

In a two quart bowl, mix couscous, raisins, and a 1/2 tsp. of salt then pour 2 cups of boiling water over it. Let stand 5-7 minutes until all the water is absorbed. In a large skillet, put 2 sticks (1 cup) of butter or margarine and 2 rounded/heaping tsp. ground turmeric. When butter is melted and turmeric mixed in, add the couscous. Cook and stir until all the couscous looks yellow and is fluffy like rice.

Merry Christmas!

Yes, I said it - CHRISTmas. AND, there wouldn't be Christmas if Christ had not been born. In a world that screams tolerance, can I submit the idea that tolerance is a two-way street? Can I agree to disagree? If you choose to hate the word "Christmas" and believe there is not a God, I will be more than happy to allow you to have that opinion. On the other hand, please give me the same right to say I DO believe in a God, Jesus is His name, and I LOVE Christmas.

Whew.........got that off my chest........now, please have a very Merry Christmas. I love you!

Sad/Happy

Smearing malicious propaganda does not heal but rather lengthens bitter roots which attach deep in the soul never to escape eternal sorrow. - Jana Allard

A malicious person lives to injure others but will ultimately die lonely and sad regardless of status. Kindness and love will reap in kind with an abundance of happiness. The choice is yours.

Rambling...

It seemed to arrive quick and I am now questioning 2011, what happened to January? Was it here? Did I fall into a coma and awaken in February? YIKES! Time is moving faster than I want it. Of course, January is always the most difficult month of the year for me. The dreaded year-ending reports, tax statements, etcetera and, somewhere in there, finding time to celebrate Blake's birthday. By the way, he is now 14 years old, grew seven inches from June to September, and is proudly achieving straight "A's." He gave up soccer to spend time learning American Sign Language and is now part of a dramatic sign team ministering to hearing impaired. Friends are many and he is a loyal friend in return. Even though he now towers far above me, he still bends to kiss me every morning before leaving for school. Yes, I am a proud mom and I love my boy.

Red Velvet Cake

It's that time of year and I am still getting requests for this recipe of my husband's Red Velvet Cake. He claims you cannot substitute any item because it will not taste right nor turn out right. Follow the directions and enjoy! Have a very Merry Christmas!!!


Brian's Red Velvet Cake

1/2 cup shortening

1 & 1/2 cup sugar

2 eggs

2 tsp. cocoa

2 (1 oz.) bottles of red food coloring

1 tsp. baking soda

1 cup buttermilk

1 tsp salt

2 & 1/4 cup sifted all-purpose flour

1 tsp. vanilla

1 tsp. vinegar


Cream shortening, sugar, and eggs. Well! Mix cocoa and food coloring. Add to creamed mixture. Sift flour three times. (yes, Brian sifts it 3 times) Alternately add flour and buttermilk, beginning and ending with flour. Add vanilla. Mix vinegar and soda. Add to creamed mixture. Bake at 350. Grease and flour pans (three 9 inch cake tins). Bake 25 minutes.


Red Cake Frosting

2 cubes of Imperial margarine (He insist on Imperial)

1 cup sugar

1 tsp. vanilla

3 heaping Tbsp. flour

1 cup milk


Cream Imperial margarine, sugar, and vanilla for 5 minutes with electric mixer. Mix milk and flour then cook over medium heat stirring constantly with a whisk until thickened. Set it aside until it is completely cool. After it is cool, add to creamed mixture. Mix well. (Like thick whipping cream) Set in fridge to chill for about 30 minutes. If this is not completely cool before continuing to the next step, it will not turn out right. Mix again and then frost the cake. The secret to this frosting is enough patience to mix it long enough. Longer mixing makes better frosting.

Real Service

To give real service
you must add something
which cannot be bought or measured with money,
and that is
sincerity and integrity.
- Donald A. Adams

Stay True

Real heroes are men who fall and fail and are flawed, but win out in the end because they've stayed true to their ideals and beliefs and commitments.
- Kevin Costner

Do Your Best

Being forced to work, and forced to do your best,
will breed in you temperance and self-control,
diligence and strength of will,
cheerfulness and content,
and a hundred virtues which the idle never know.
- Charles Kingsley

Love Deeply: Fountain of Youth?

Those who love deeply never grow old;

they may die of old age, but they die young.
- A.W. Pinero

Sweeter Now...

4 years of dating + 31 years of marriage = 35 years

of life and love.

I'm still in love after all these years.

In fact, it is sweeter now than then.
We've come a long way, baby.

Happy Anniversary, Brian.

What Happened to Decency???

Self-respect, decency, and modesty have become foreign to America. Does anybody know where such virtues went? The more I am in public, the more disgusted I become. Rolls of flesh are exposed and on display everywhere my eyes land, and garments look as if they have been painted onto bodies with many of them not having enough "paint" to finish the job. Young or old, it makes no difference. Nothing is left to the imagination. Recently, we took my in-laws out to an elegant dinner to celebrate their anniversary. In this fine dining establishment, two grossly overweight women entered wearing skin-tight, ripped jeans with painted on dirty looking t-shirts that exposed their large midriffs. Is there no shame? America needs a revival of pride and decency.

WWW.MYHOPERADIO.COM

If you enjoy godly music, chances are you can find a style you prefer at www.myhoperadio.com. This website is the internet radio voice of the United Pentecostal Church International. Myhope.com has been playing my CD on their site for quite awhile and recently contacted me requesting an interview for their newly developed blog. I am honored and flattered to be their featured artist this week. You can read mine and other artists interviews at www.myradio.wordpress.com. Also, feel free to listen to tunes from the official website while you work or browse the internet. At the home page, select the style you prefer or random shuffle. Best of all, it is completely free.

Abundant Life

The abundant life does not come to those

who have had a lot of obstacles removed from their path by others.

It develops from within

and is rooted in strong mental and moral fiber.
-William Mather Lewis

That "strong mental and moral fiber" comes from God.

"The thief cometh not, but for to steal, and to kill, and to destroy:

I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly."
John 10:10 (KJV)

Are You Brave?

Physical courage, which despises all danger,
will make a man brave in one way;
and moral courage, which despises all opinion,
will make a man brave in another.
- Charles Caleb Colton

Whatsoever...

With this new age of Facebook, Twitter, and numerous other social sites, it has become easy for people to slander, spew filth, and lash out in anger. Some use the guise that their venting is necessary for their healing. However, smearing malicious propaganda does not heal but rather lengthens bitter roots which attach deep in the soul never to escape eternal sorrow. If one wants true peace, follow Philippians 4:8. "Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things." (KJV)

The Average Man

The virtues which keep this world sweet

and the faithfulness which keeps it steadfast

are chiefly those of the average man.
- W. Russell Bowie

A Few Pics...

Bryn in a rock cave at Madonna Inn
Bryn and Daddy playing in the sand

Blake playing on the beach

Bryce and Blake at Montana de Oro

Bryce at Montana de Oro

Blake, Sparkles and Bryn crusin' camp

Bryn at Madonna Inn doors

Of Life and Love

It was 35 years ago today, I had my first date with Brian. We didn't realize that night we were taking the first step towards a together-forever-life. Looking back, it was the first impressions of that night that caught me. He opened the car door for me, opened the door to the restaurant, put the sweetener in my iced tea, placed my order with the waitress, and was a perfect gentleman. Just a couple weeks later, we attended the same youth camp and I watched him as he prayed for those who desired a closer walk with the Lord. That sealed the deal for me. I realized he could have walked out of the tabernacle and joined friends at the snack bar but he made the choice to help someone in need.

This beginning was followed by four years of long-distance dating without the benefits of a phone or the Internet. It was handwritten letters sent by snail-mail across the ocean and a two or three minute call on Christmas. His letters to me were always splashed with his cologne and I knew from the wafting fragrance I had a letter in the mail even before I could see it. Sometimes, I pull a letter from a box and smile as I recall our young love.

With lots of miles from traveling around the world working in missions, pastoring, teaching, singing, and three children later, I pause to reminiscence. What a journey we have been on! It's been fun - it's been real - it's been somewhat crazy - it's been life and love.

It's That Time of Year

Camp, camp, and more camp. Next week is Junior Youth Camp for seven to 14 year olds. The following week is Camp Meeting for families and, the third week is Senior Youth Camp for 15 to 25 year olds. One of the benefits is the location. These camps are all held on the Central California Coast and the weather is a taste of heaven. The days are usually in the 70's and the nights dip to the low 50's. Coming from the San Joaquin Valley where summer days are over 100 degrees, the coast weather is a huge drawing card to the valley people. Pictures and updates will be posted later. In the meantime, what are you doing for your summer? Are you involved in any camps?

Say What?

When God Speaks...

...you can take it to the bank.

One of our new babes-in-Christ felt like he received a message from God through a vision. Here's the story. His fiancee was great with child and all ultrasounds had indicated she would have a girl. The baby shower was full of frills and lots of pink but...something happened. In the vision, the dad heard a voice say, "You will not have a girl but thou shalt have a son and thou shalt call his name Elijah." He saw himself in the hospital and the doctors telling him it was a boy. The rest of the story is that daddy is very happy and mommy, although very happy, is quite surprised. Oh, and I visited them at the hospital today and Elijah is a beautiful boy. Congrats to the new mommy and daddy!!!

Some Pics of Summer Happenings

Blake in the California State Assembly
Bryn in the California State Senate

Blake at the Museum of Fine Arts, San Francisco

Bryce, Bryn, and Blake overlooking San Francisco

My beautiful princess Bryn with her hair blowing in the breeze.

San Francisco, California

Bryce and Bryn on a San Francisco Cable Car

Bryn drinking sparkling cider at a wedding reception

"Good Looking"

The one I call "Good Looking" is now taller than me. While traveling with freeWAY on their Texas tour, Blake decided to buy a cowboy hat. I think he makes a pretty cute cowboy. I hope your summer is sailing smooth. Mine is very busy but I will try to post pics and videos as soon as possible.

Roles of Coaching

Coaching roles vary, but typical work activities are likely to include:

Performance Management:

 evaluate performance and provide suitable feedback
 balance criticism with positive and motivating comments
 assess strengths and weaknesses in one’s performance and identify areas for further development
 communicate instructions and commands using clear, simple language
 demonstrate an activity by breaking the task down into a sequence
 encourage one to gain and develop skills, knowledge and techniques
 ensure that one trains and performs to a high standard
 inspire confidence
 act as a role model, gain the respect and trust of the people you work with
 work to a high ethical standard at all times

You Need A Coach

While traveling with freeway Quartet on their recent tour in the Houston, Texas area, I had a thought I wish to share. The law requires children to attend school and there they receive instruction which will affect their entire life. Most students, cannot wait for graduation day and school to end, yet, there are some who have lofty goals and a desire to achieve . Whatever path one chooses, they all must become a “performer.” Every career can be successful, according to performance. Each student/performer, must make a choice to just “pass the grade” or excel. So what can make a difference? In my opinion, it is the willingness to accept a coach.

All students have a teacher who provides instruction, but that only equips the student with knowledge of technique and skill. It does not guarantee how well the student can perform said techniques or what level of skill is reached. This is readily identified by the grade given. Instructors play a vital role but more than instruction is needed to be successful. What pushes one to greatness, is an aggressive coach who will take a competent student/performer and push him to perfection. A coach will help a performer work towards achieving their full potential and bring out ability by identifying needs, then plan and implement suitable training.

The sports and entertainment world has many coaches. Every gold medalist had a great coach. Have you ever wondered if the coach was so good, why didn’t he or she perform for the gold? The fact is, the coach may not be able to physically perform but they know what it takes to make a great performer. A classic example is Michael Jordan who was a star athlete who decided to try coaching and he was a lousy coach. On the other hand, Phil Jackson was not a power player but became a star coach. These two men joined their respective expertise and became great.

Throughout the years, my husband and I have loved working with young people. We have taken several groups of youth on foreign missions trips, worked with them at youth camps, taught youth convention choir and, most recently worked with freeWAY Quartet. These four young men were all members of WAY (Western All-State Youth) Choir. There they received vocal instruction and were taught technique. After singing just two songs and seeing the great potential, I encouraged these four young men to record. I readily admit there have been times when the coaching my husband and I gave them was rough and there were days attitudes flared. However, through perseverance and the desire to sing to the best of their ability, these young men are now sought after accomplished vocalists.

In the spiritual realm, one attends church and receives instruction through various ministries that use the Word of God to teach technique and skill. The instruction can be received, the Word planted, and some will become “star” saints while others never rise above mediocre. The coach (pastor) sees potential and works hard to push the saint to excel but the choice remains with the saint - get angry at the pastor’s prodding or push through the rigors of hard training and achieve. The pastor only wants what is best for the saints, improved performance, and a desire to see them become great in the Kingdom of God. If only people understood the purpose and value of a coach.